“See how Ahab has humbled himself before Me?” (1 Kings 21:29)
Bad people deserve the evil they get as much as good people deserve goodness, right? Isn’t that the way we’re wired? Vengeance is necessary in order for justice to be served. Only, not so much when it comes to our own offenses.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, “It’s a good thing I’m not God!” (cause most of this world would quickly be an ash heap). The Lord’s mercy never ceases to amaze me. Here, in 1 Kings 21:29, we see it again: “See how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has humbled himself before Me, I will not bring the calamity in his days. In the days of his son I will bring the calamity on his house.”
Back in chapter 16, we learn how Ahab did evil and “did more to provoke the anger of the Lord, the God of Israel, than any of the other kings of Israel before him.” ((v 33) This is the guy who faced off with Elijah on Mt. Carmel to prove which god was real. This is the guy who sulked and refused to eat when someone told him “No”, so much so that his wife, Jezebel, handled the matter for him by means of murder. I imagine Ahab knew she would take care of it for him and didn’t much care how that happened. I wonder how different his life would’ve been without that woman who “stirred him up.” (21:25) I’m not defending Ahab at all, just saying sin always looks worse on others, whereas we tend to defend or justify our own.
But it wasn’t just the likes of Ahab God heard. Remember Manasseh? Judah’s worst king ever also humbled himself (2 Chronicles 33:12-13): “while in deep distress, Manasseh sought, the LORD his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. And when he prayed, the LORD listened to him and was moved by his request.” God sees beyond our actions. He looks at the heart and patiently waits for brokenness to change us while, every day, providing new mercies, even for the worst of the worst, like Ahab and Manasseh. Oh, consequences came, that’s for sure. God had vengeance in His time and by His hand.
On the flip side of indifference to sin, its ugliness can overwhelm one to the point of depression. Guilt makes it nearly impossible to move on. But complete forgiveness can be obtained in an instant, the moment we ask. The Bible promises, “if we confess our sins, he is faithful, and just to forgive us…” All it takes is the sincere surrender of a humbled heart.
Mercy for monsters may not be a popular position but I didn’t come up with that idea. God says all have sinned and fall short of His glory. That means you and me, not just murderers, molesters, and rapists. Jesus said hate is murder and lust is adultery. Personally, I would like to tie “a millstone around the neck” of these offenders but God can see hearts; we can’t. If repentance isn’t real, there will be a price to pay. But if Christ truly regenerates a sinner’s heart, rejoice with all of heaven, and praise God because that same pardon was granted you!
Whether wallowing in sin, struggling to survive, or delivered but doubting (unable to forgive yourself), cry out to Jesus who heals and makes all things new. If you feel unworthy of mercy, remember – the cries of even Ahab reached the Lord.
SHINE, always
Cheryl